§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the performance of Great Western Trains in terms of(a) punctuality and (b) reliability in relation to its Charter targets in each year since it was awarded its franchise; and how much has been paid by Great Western in penalties, and on what occasions, for failing to meet such standards. [36732]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonGreat Western's performance details appear in the Franchising Director's quarterly bulletins which are in the Library of the House. Great Western have not paid any financial penalties for poor performance as there is no incentive regime in their Franchise Agreement. Following the offer by FirstGroup PLC to take over the franchise, the Franchising Director has agreed a regime of fixed penalties for Great Western in respect of cancellations and delays over 20 minutes.